Summary

Will not pass through London, so will not be able to call at Down.

Summary

Forwards letters.

Summary

Working hard on physiology of plants.

His son George sees no reason to change his view on marriage of cousins.

George’s astronomical work is too deep for CD.

Summary

Is glad to hear R. B. Litchfield is better.

Discusses William Darwin’s engagement to Sara Sedgwick.

Summary

JDH looking for a gardener for CD’s unusual needs.

Summary

On proposed sale of property to CD by Sydney Sales. [The site of the Down House hard tennis court.]

Summary

Further comments on JW’s Das Bewegungsvermögen der Pflanzen [1881]. Discusses heliotropism and sensitivity of root tips. Bewildered by their differences concerning circumnutation.

Summary

Praises FMB’s BAAS address [on embryology, Rep. BAAS 50 (1880): 636–44]. Recent progress of embryology splendid.

In work on plants, astonished at sensitivity of radicle and its power to transmit stimuli to adjoining part; such general sensitivity should be considered in genesis of nervous system.

Feels "malicious" pleasure at FMB’s criticism of Herbert Spencer.

Summary

Speaks of the delight of having met CD.

Hopes William Darwin may be able to visit Worthing.

Summary

Discusses a book

and the "splendid news about the elections".

Summary

BJS has just moved.

Gives the information he has of their old shipmates.

Tells of his brother’s misfortunes.

Summary

Queries about the pitch of children’s crying.

Summary

Will get in touch with young gardener about terms of employment. It is good of Hooker to remember about heliotropism of insectivorous plants.

Summary

CD’s letter [7922] was very sweet to her, and if her marriage [to Richard B. Litchfield] can be half as perfect as CD’s she will be very happy.

Richard’s German fails in communicating with washerwomen.

Summary

Sends specimens of what he takes to be barnacles found on rocks in the mountains.

Summary

Birthday greetings.

Thinks it best not to reply further to Butler. Has read G. J. Romanes’ article with great pleasure. Romanes is right to ridicule Butler. Quotes passages about Butler from CD letters. Has received letter from F. M. Balfour urging him not to reply to Butler.

Summary

Heavily correcting sheets for Coral reefs, 2d ed. [1874]. Offers to pay extra printer’s charges.

Summary

Thanks for sympathy on death of Erasmus [Alvey Darwin].

Suggests rewording statement concerning source of CD’s views on evolution.

Recalls happy days at Penally.

Summary

Returns Geikie’s letter; is glad he has accepted settlement of gravel through melting of snow. Is trudging around with hammer and bag with help of Ramsay’s book. Describes visits to Kenilworth and Stratford. Sara consulted a physician. Called on Reginald D. and enjoyed meeting relations and seeing picture of Erasmus. Reginald very taken with George.

Summary

Thanks EK for his article [on CD’s Movement in plants].

Admires EK’s wide interest in science. Would like to send him something to publish in Kosmos.

Fears his new book [Earthworms] will hardly do, but will send sheets when printed so that EK can decide whether any chapter or a part of one will serve. Victor Carus’s consent would be needed for publication in Kosmos, and CD will ask for it.